Larian Studios just dropped a bombshell that has RPG fans talking. Michael Douse, the studio’s publishing director, confirmed what many feared – there are no current plans for Divinity Original Sin 3. For a studio that built its reputation on the Divinity franchise before skyrocketing to fame with Baldur’s Gate 3, this news feels like a plot twist no one saw coming.
The confirmation came on December 9, 2025, after speculation ran wild about a new Divinity trademark filing. Fans hoping for a Game Awards announcement are going to be disappointed. But here’s the thing – Larian’s decision makes complete sense when you look at the bigger picture.
Why Divinity Original Sin 3 Got Shelved
Douse’s statement was clear and direct. Responding to fan questions, he said there aren’t any plans for a new Divinity Original Sin 3 game at this time. This isn’t about the franchise being dead. It’s about Larian wanting to build something they own completely.
The studio just spent years working within Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons framework for Baldur’s Gate 3. While that game became a massive success, it also came with limitations. Larian had to adapt their mechanics to fit 5E rules and pay licensing fees for every sale. After shipping what many call the best RPG ever made, they want creative freedom.
Swen Vincke, Larian’s CEO, has been transparent about this. He said the team wants to make their own worlds with their own rules where they own everything. That vision doesn’t include returning to Rivellon right now, even though Divinity: Original Sin 2 sold millions and built the foundation for BG3’s success.
What Larian Is Building Instead
Here’s where it gets interesting. Larian confirmed they’re working on two new projects, and both are original IPs. No D&D. No Divinity. Something completely fresh.
Details are scarce, but Vincke described one project as "very ambitious" and suggested we might see it before 2030. That’s a long wait, but considering BG3’s scope, this timeline makes sense. These aren’t quick turnaround projects.
The studio is also building a dedicated storytelling team to work alongside their writers. This suggests narrative depth will remain a priority. They learned what works from Divinity and BG3, and now they want to apply those lessons to their own universe.
Leaks hint that one project might be a long-awaited sequel to an award-winning game from seven years ago, but Douse shut down speculation that this could be Divinity Original Sin 3. The mystery continues.
The Money Factor: Why Owning Your IP Matters
Let’s talk business for a second. Wizards of the Coast reportedly made around $80 million from Baldur’s Gate 3 in just a few weeks. For doing what? Supplying an IP and some rulebooks. Larian did all the heavy lifting – the coding, the writing, the voice acting, the bug fixing.
After seeing those numbers, wouldn’t you want to keep all the profits from your next game? Larian is in a unique position. They have the talent, the reputation, and the resources to create the next big RPG franchise. Why share that success with another company?
This move isn’t just about money, though. It’s about creative control. No more adapting to someone else’s rules. No more waiting for IP holder approval. Larian can build exactly what they want, how they want it.
Is Divinity Original Sin 3 Dead Forever?
Not necessarily. Douse said no current plans exist, not that the game will never happen. Vincke previously stated the team is "definitely" interested in revisiting the Divinity series at some point. They just need a break first.
The developers have been working on Divinity and Baldur’s Gate games for over a decade. That’s a long time to spend in the same creative space. They need time to refresh, try new things, and bring fresh ideas back to Rivellon if they ever return.
Think of it like this – CD Projekt Red made The Witcher 3, then did Cyberpunk 2077, and now they’re returning to The Witcher. Sometimes you need distance to make your next installment truly special.
The Trademark Confusion
So why did everyone think Divinity Original Sin 3 was coming? A new trademark filing for the Divinity franchise sparked speculation ahead of The Game Awards. Fans connected dots that weren’t there.
Douse clarified the situation, shutting down hopes for an announcement. The trademark likely relates to future plans, merchandise, or simply protecting the IP. It doesn’t mean a new game is in development.
This happens often in the games industry. Companies file trademarks to keep their options open. Fans read too much into legal paperwork. The lesson? Wait for official announcements before getting hyped.
What Fans Are Saying
The reaction has been mixed. Some fans understand Larian’s position. They want to see what the studio can create with complete freedom. Others feel frustrated, calling Larian "idiots for abandoning this IP/framework."
The truth sits somewhere in between. Larian earned the right to make their own choices. Baldur’s Gate 3 wasn’t just a game – it was a cultural phenomenon that won Game of the Year. But fans also have a point. The Divinity universe is rich with potential, and Original Sin 2 perfected a combat system many consider superior to D&D 5E.
Reddit discussions show the divide. Some players want Larian to create a BG3-style game with 5E mechanics in their own IP. Others hope for something completely different, like a sci-fi or post-apocalyptic setting. The diversity of opinions shows how much trust Larian has built with their audience.
Two New Worlds: What We Know
Larian is keeping details under wraps, but we can make educated guesses. The studio has two projects in development. Both are original IPs. One is described as "crazy ambitious" and might release around 2028.
Vincke has expressed admiration for games like Disco Elysium, suggesting narrative innovation interests him. Larian’s only Steam review is for Disco Elysium, which says something about their creative tastes.
The projects will likely use the Divinity 4.0 engine, which powered BG3. That engine is mature, powerful, and already handles complex RPG mechanics. Why rebuild from scratch?
Expect turn-based combat. It’s Larian’s signature now. But expect it to evolve. Without D&D constraints, they can experiment with new systems, new magic rules, and new ways to interact with the environment.
FAQs
Is Divinity Original Sin 3 cancelled?
Not exactly. Larian says there are no current plans, but hasn’t ruled it out forever. The franchise isn’t dead, just on hiatus while the studio works on original IPs.
Why won’t Larian make Divinity Original Sin 3?
After Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian wants to create games they fully own. Working with licensed IPs like D&D or even their own Divinity franchise comes with creative constraints they want to avoid.
What is Larian Studios working on now?
Two original RPG projects set in new IPs. One is described as very ambitious and might release around 2028. Both will be turn-based RPGs using lessons learned from Divinity and BG3.
Will we ever get another Divinity game?
Possibly. Larian’s CEO said they’re "definitely" interested in returning to the series eventually. They just need a creative break first after working on these games for over a decade.
What about the Divinity trademark that was filed?
Trademark filings don’t guarantee games. Companies file them to protect IPs, merchandise rights, and future options. The filing doesn’t mean Divinity Original Sin 3 is in development.
Can another studio make Divinity Original Sin 3?
Unlikely. Larian owns the Divinity IP. They could theoretically license it to another developer, but there’s no indication they plan to do so. They want to control their franchises.
The Bottom Line
Larian Studios is making the right call for their future, even if it disappoints fans in the short term. They have the talent, resources, and reputation to create the next great RPG franchise. Why shouldn’t they own it completely?
Divinity Original Sin 3 isn’t happening now, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. The series that built Larian will still be there when they’re ready to return. For now, we get to watch a masterclass in game development as they build something entirely new.
The wait will be long. 2028 is years away. But if Baldur’s Gate 3 taught us anything, it’s that Larian’s ambition and attention to detail create experiences worth waiting for. They could have taken the easy route – pump out Divinity Original Sin 3 and print money. Instead, they’re taking a risk.
That willingness to bet on themselves is exactly what made them great. Let’s see what they build next.